1. Meaning, source and significance of Ideology
(a) Meaning of Ideology
The word 'Ideology' is french in origin. It is made up of two components, namely.'idea' and 'logy'.
Ideology is a systematic body of concepts especially about life or culture.It could be the of great and influential minds or it could evolve as a result of Divine guidance.
Ideology is generally used inawider prespective because human beings have unique way of thinking. It constitutes a system of human life whose integral parts are assertions, theories and objectives of human life. In a society the individuals should have common beliefs, customs, traditions and rituals.
Islamic Society is unique as compared to other societies in as much as it derives its source, principals and theories from the HOLY QUR'AN and the Sunnah. Islam is a universal Deen i.e, it is a complete code of life. Its teachings put an end to the distinction of colour and race, and binds the individuals into eternal brotherhood.This is the reason as to why the thoughts, actions and customs of its individuals have to be accordance with the principles of Islam. All rules and regulations of the Islamic Society are framed in the light of teachings of Islam. The individuals are bound to lead their lives in conformity with the Islamic code of conduct. The foundation of Islamic Society was laid down by our HOLY PROPHET. Islamic Society is characterised by the divine principles of respect for humanity, tolerance, justice, equity and peaceful co-existence.
(b) Sources of Islamic Ideology
The promotion of an Ideology depends on the extent of people's devotion, dedication and adherence to it. Islamic ideology has influenced the minds of individuals having their firm faith in the principles of Islam. The sources of Islamic ideology are the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah (the ways and teachings of the Prophet of Islam).
i. The Holy Qur'an:
The Qur'an is the permanent basis of Islam. It provides detailed guidance to the people, concerning social and economic laws, leading to a sustainable, peaceful and purposeful life at the individual and collective level.
ii. Sunnah:
Our Holy Prophet (SA AW) elaborated the injunctions of Islam by his words and deeds. The detailed explanation of the teachings of the Holy Qur'an is found in the Sunnah, which is the essential source of Islamic laws and principles. Sunnah is an Arabic term. The literal meaning of the Sunnah is the 'way to follow'.The Qur'an outlines the broader principles of Islam and its elaborations are enshrined in the sayings of our Holy Prophet (SA AW). The fundamental principles of Islam like Prayer, Zakat (Specific Charity), Fasting and Hajj ( Pilgrimage ) have been elaborated by the Holy Prophet (SA AW).
iii. Traditions and Cultural Values:
The values and traditions, such as festivals, gatherings and ceremonies which do not run
opposite to the teachings of Islam, are allowed to be followed by the Muslims their
respective regions.
(c) Significance of ideology
Ideology is a significance because:
i) It reflects the ideas of the people and determines their way of living thinking and
social interaction.
ii) It helps people unite on one one platform and affords a source of manifestation
of the national strength.
iii) It is a motivating force for deeds and actions. People may willingly sacrifice
any thing for a certain cause under the influence of an ideology.
iv) It is the source of struggle for achieving the divine objective and servers as a
motivational force for the progress and prosperity of a society under a recognised
and truthful leadership.
v) Ideology provides an insight in making the choice of the leaders. It helps in
making right decisions.
vi) It helps preserve the freedom, culture and traditions.
2. Contents of Ideology
The contents of an ideology are:
i. Common Religion: Religion is a binding force for the nations in the world.Nations in the world are distinctive on the basis of their religion.
ii. Common Culture: Generally, the people sharing a common culture follow the similar way of life. Normally they do not compromise on their customs and traditions.
iii. Common Cause: A common cause unites the people. For example, the achievement of Pakistan was a common cause under the influence of an ideology.
iv. Dedication: The dedication of the people, to some noble cause energizes and enriches an ideology. Muslims of South Asia were highly dedication to the common cause of seeking freedom and establishing a separate Muslims State.
3. Basis of Ideology of Pakistan
The basis of ideology of Pakistan is Islam. The constituent components of Islamic ideology are:
i. Doctrine of Faith: Ideology of Pakistan is characterised by the doctrine of faith in Allah, Prophet hood, Angels, the Day of judgement and all the Revealed Books of Allah.The most essential elements of this belief of the Muslims are the Unicity of Allah and complete faith in the Prophet hood of the last Prophet, Muhammad (SA AW). The Qur'an is the last Holy Book (revealed to the Holy Prophet (SA AW). bit by bit over a period of twenty-three years ). is sufficient for the guidance of entire humanity.
ii. Social Dealings: Mutual dealings or interaction, occupy an important place in the social system, Justice and equity constitute the social system of Islam. In Islam there is no discrimination on the basis of ethnicity , caste, colour and creed.
